Ancient Greek

About the major

An Ancient Greek major allows you to read, in the original, works of immense cultural and literary significance by the great writers of the ancient Mediterranean world. The study of philosophy, history, drama, lyric, epic, the novel, and oratory begin in Greece, and Greek contributions to world literature are undisputed models of perfection in every later age. Reading the actual words of Homer, Euripides, Plato or the New Testament is an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

You will study a wide variety of important texts from key periods and genres in the development of this hugely influential literature, gaining an understanding of its themes, preoccupations and complex reflection of Greek (particularly Classical Athenian) culture. Your linguistic ability will develop as you progress through a series of units that introduce, practise and then analyse in context Greek morphology and syntax. You may begin either at introductory level, if you have no prior knowledge of Greek, or at intermediate level if you have studied Greek to HSC-level (or equivalent).

The culmination of this major is in-depth study and nuanced appreciation of works of celebrated Greek authors. It will also help you to develop key skills including the ability to carefully analyse language and to construct clear and persuasive arguments both orally and with the written word.

The Ancient Greek major opens pathways to careers in journalism, law, publishing, teaching, government and research, among others.

Requirements for completion

The Ancient Greek major and minor requirements are listed in the Ancient Greek unit of study table.

There are two pathways through a major or minor in Ancient Greek: one if you have not studied Greek to HSC-level, or equivalent (the non-HSC stream); and one if you have studied Ancient Greek to HSC level (the ex-HSC stream). Non-HSC students begin at 1000-level in their first year; ex-HSC students at 2000-level.

Honours

An extra year of Ancient Greek allows students to specialise in a particular field and to write a major piece of research. The honours year can be the culmination of your study of Ancient Greek or a pathway to further research in our postgraduate program. Our program consists of two seminar units - 'Research Skills in Greek Literature' and 'Breakthroughs in the Humanities' - and a thesis of 18,000-20,000 words.

Honours admission requirements

Admission to Honours is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies or the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and requires the completion of a major in Ancient Greek with an average of 70% or above.

Prior to commencing honours, you will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and, if undertaking the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours), a second major.

If you are considering an honours year in Ancient Greek, it is best to seek early advice on all the pathways open to you and the skills you will need to do your best. The Honours Coordinator can advise you on acceptable equivalents to our standard requirements.

Requirements and units of study for honours can be found on the Ancient Greek honours unit of study page.

Honours in Classics (joint Ancient Greek and Latin)

Undertaking Honours in Classics

An extra year of Classics allows students to specialise in a particular field and to write a major piece of research. The honours year can be the culmination of your study of Classics or a pathway to further research. Our program consists of two seminars, and a thesis of 18-20,000 words on a topic decided by you in consultation with your supervisor.

Qualifying for Honours in Classics

If you are considering an Honours year in Classics it is best to seek early advice on all the pathways open to you and the skills you will need to do your best.

• Admission to Honours in Classics is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies or Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and requires:
• (i) a major in Latin with an average of 70 percent or above plus 18 additional senior credit points of Greek (including GRKA2601 Intermediate Greek 2); or
• (ii) a major in Ancient Greek with an average of 70 percent or above plus 18 additional senior credit points of Latin (including LATN2601 Intermediate Latin 2); and
• (iii) completion of all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and, if undertaking the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Honours), a second major, prior to commencing Honours.

Full details of the program, its prerequisites and its relationship to other majors taught by the discipline can be found on the Discipline of Classics and Ancient History website.

Contacts and further information

More information and current contact details for academic coordinators may be found on the Discipline of Classics and Ancient History website.

The Discipline of Classics and Ancient History is administered by the School of Humanities.